Slow Down and... Swing!

Last night was a great life lesson and a funny one to boot.

I work with a population of infants, children, teens and adults with special needs. Working with the hearing impaired and deaf usually there is a disorder, disease, syndrome...you name it that accompanies a little hearing impairment. Most of my kids have more severe problems than hearing loss, Goldenhar Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, childhood cancer that results in hearing loss due to chemo etc... It's rare that I have a 'normal' child or adult with a loss. That being said I've prided myself on raising my kids to be sensitive to those with special needs. Being in a small community such as Treynor my boys aren't exposed to a diverse population so we're a work in progress :) But I digress...

Last evening we were travelling through Treynor, all 3 miles of it, and we passed a beautiful corner farm house with a giant tree swing right off the country porch. I've often admired this home as it is perfectly manicured, decorated with bright geraniums, and holiday decor year round. I've never seen anyone on the tree swing until last night. A petite white haired woman with capris and the most gigantic smile on her face with a laugh that would put a giant to shame was pumping her legs so hard and swinging so high in the air I had to stop and watch her for a minute. She instantly brought a smile to my face. Luke turned to me and asked, "mom, is she special?" I said "no, honey...she's just enjoying life and slowing down to swing.

AHHHH! Note to self...slow down...and swing.